Ellicott City

December 30, 2024 Peace and Good, I have been helping out at the Shrine and St. Joseph Nursing Home in these days. There is really not all much going on in the area at this time of year. We had tons of people come to our three Masses for Christmas. I was asked to write a short article on the Canticle of the Three Young Men in the furnace from the Book of Daniel. This was the inspiration for St. Francis' Cantile of the Creatures. I did not intend to do it so quickly, but on Christmas morning (a day after I was asked), it all came together very quickly. It was a great spiritual meditation for me. The image I really liked was the idea that the dominion over the earth that God gave us was not intended to allow us to exploit creation, but rather to invite us to be the choirmaster for a praise of God by all of creation. I have to work on a bunch of daily reflectons in these next couple of days. I am a little behind. When I finish them, I have to start on a series of articles for a magazine in Kenya. I finished some reading and listening: Where God was Born by Bruce Feiler This is the second book by Feiler that I have read. The first one was about his reflections upon Abraham as the founder of three religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam). This book is more of a travelogue into Israel, the West Bank and Iraq. I was not overly impressed with it. The Epistle of Barnabas This is the first time that I have read this early apostolic writing. It was probably contemporary with some of the writings of the New Testament. There is not a lot of content in the letter. It is mostly exhortation and it follows the exegetical techniques that would later be used by the Fathers of the Church from Alexandria (taking passages and ideas from the Old Testament and showing how Jesus has given these texts a new meaning). Plato in 90 Minutes by Paul Strathern Even though this is a very short presentation of the life and teaching of this great philosopher, Strathern (who is a tremendous history author) manages to give a good treatment to topics such as the forms and Plato’s ideas concerning government (and how his ideas could easily be used by totalitarian regimes). Astrobiology by Andrew May This book deals with the topic of whether there is life on other planets in the universe. It deals with the question of why we have no clear signs of that life if it exists. It raises the question of what type of life we could expect: intelligent or primitive. It also deals with the possibility that life exists but in a form that is totally different from our own (e.g. not using DNA, or possibly having 8 amino acids in their DNA and not 4 as we have). The topic is well developed without becoming sensational. Stories by Garrison Keillor This is a series of 14 stories by Garrison Keillor about life in Minnesota and life in general. He has a great style and is quite entertaining as he rolls out his characters and their quirky, down to earth circumstances. The Medieval World by Thomas Madden This is a Modern Scholar presentation which actually has two volumes to cover the history of the medieval world as well as its culture, religion, etc. Madden has produced a good number of courses on the Modern Scholar series, and he is completely trustworthy. The lectures are informative and presented in a very understandable manner. How to Read and Understand the Gospel of Luke by William Burton This is a Learn25 presentation of the Gospel of Luke and a bit of the message of Luke’s second volume, the Acts of the Apostles. Like almost all of the Learn25 presentations, this is thoughtful and presented at a level which is reasonable for most adults (not overly technical, not overly simplified). It gives a good treatment to the major topics found in the Gospel and what they meant to the audience to which the Gospel was presented. The Appalachian Trail by Charles River Editors Like all of the Charles River Editors productions, this is a short presentation of the topic: the Appalachian Trail. It begins with a history of the trail and its importance to those who use it. Much of the book is actually an account of the various portions of the trail in each state where it is found. This section is great for someone investigated a journey along the trail, but terribly boring for those who are interested in a more generic approach to the meaning of this enterprise. A Distant Mirror by Barbara Tuchman Tuchman is a great popular historian. This is a book which speaks of Europe during the 14th century. That century saw the time of more than one pope, the black death, the Turkish invasion of the Balkans, the hundred years war, endless wars in Italy, etc. Tuchman brings the story and the complicated details to life. I would recommend any of her books (e.g. The Zimmerman Telegram, the First Salute, the March of Folly, etc.). What Christians Believe by C.S. Lewis This is a series of apologetic presentations produced by C.S. Lewis concerning the existence of God and the importance of the Christian Church as the fulfillment of God’s will for us. It is done in his usual thoughtful but also understandable fashion. Christian Writing Decoded: the Didache by Wyatt North The Didache was one of the first writings after the production of the New Testament. It is a book of exhortation mixed with liturgical instructions. As such, it is the earliest testimony to liturgical practices in the early Church. Does God Exist? by Robert Kuhn Kuhn has produced a series of very thoughtful explorations into questions of philosophy and theology. His format is to speak with experts on both sides of whatever question he is addressing. The series is very well done. One can hear the arguments from both sides presented in a respectful manner. Have a Happy New Year, fr. Jude

Ellicott City - Ocean City - Ellicott City

December 24, 2024 Peace and Good, As you can see above, I spent some time at the friars' place in Ocean City. It was there for a week. It was very cold, but I love the peace and quiet there at this time of the year. Life here is Ellicott City has fallen into a good pattern. I help out at the Shrine with confessions and Masses (which includes celebrating Mass at St. Joseph Nursing Home about a half hour away from here). I have also led a few days of recollection for various groups. My next class is January 25 which is a replay of my workshop on the Book of Revelation. In the meantime, I want to get started on a series of magazine articles on the Penteteuch that I am writing for the friars' magazine in Kenya. I have been writing for them for a couple of years now. I am very happy that the winter solstice has arrived. I really suffer from the shorter days, and I can't wait to get out into the sun more as the days get longer. I finished some reading and listening: The American Civil War by Gary Gallaher This is a long course from the Teaching Company on the Civil War. The professor is fair in his evaluations and very informative, not only on battles but also on the politics and cultural dimensions of the battle. His side topics include slavery, the role of civilians (including African-Americans), trade, etc. The course is 48 lectures so listening to it is a bit of a commitment, but it is well worthwhile. Talleyrand by Charles River Editors This is a short outline of the life and career of this remarkable figure. He started out as a bishop, but then switched roles, serving first the French Revolution, then Napoleon, and then the kings who followed Napoleon. It seems as if his guiding principles were fame and money. Yet, he served his nation well in a very difficult era (even though he always made sure he got his cut of whatever profits were available). The Wine Dark Sea by Thomas Cahill This is the author of the famous book, “How the Irish Saved Civilization.” This volume is a study on the history, literature, and culture of ancient Greece from its earliest days up to the time that it encountered Rome and the Christian faith. Cahill’s books are often a bit irreverent, but not in a dirty way but mostly in a down to earth manner. He also has some interesting ideas about the influences upon Greek cities, poets and artists, etc. The Lost Gutenberg: the Astounding Story of One Book’s Five Hundred Odyssey by Margaret Leslie David This is the story of one of the Bibles printed by Gutenberg and how it was handed down from one owner to another, travelling from Germany to Great Britain to the US to Japan. It also deals with the process of printing in the days of Gutenberg, and also with scientific studies done on the book to try to discover its secrets (e.g. the chemistry of the ink used, the type of paper, the process of organizing printing, etc.). It is a good book, dealing well with a whole series of topics. Belle Boyd by Charles River Editors This is a short account of one of the most important Confederate spies during the Civil War. Boyd was a wild young woman who lived in the northern part of Virginia, an area which passed back and forth between the two sides. She did things which deserve the worst of punishments, but somehow she got away with most of what she did, only being exiled as a punishment. Mata Hari by Charles River Editors This is a short presentation of the life of Mata Hari, the famous exotic dancer who was executed by the French during World War I as a spy for the Germans. The author argues strongly that she was innocent and that her execution was a type of cover up to catch people’s attention during the disastrous battle of Verdun. A Small Town in Germany by John Le Carre This is a dramatic presentation about a German employee of the British embassy in West Germany who disappears. A tough investigator is sent to find out what happened and whether there was something very dangerous about it (e.g. defection to the East with secret documents). There are a series of twists and turns as is common in the writings of Le Carre. It was a very entertaining presentation. 100 Things the Simpsons Fans Should Know and Do Before they Die by Julia Prescott and Allie Goetz I have been a fan of the Simpsons since its beginning, although having been in Europe for so long I have not seen the past 13 years of it. This is a series of 100 short vignettes about the show, its writers, its characters, its message, etc. The 10 Biggest Civil War Blunders by Edward Bonekemper This is a good presentation of mistakes made by both the North and the South during the Civil War. It includes such mistakes as not following up on victories (over and over again a fault of the north), a plan to embargo cotton made by the South to force Great Britain enter the war, etc. Bonekemper is fair in his presentation and has very few visible axes to grind. Dickens and Twain: Capturing 19th Century Britain and America by Timothy Shutt. This is a Modern Scholar presentation. It speaks of the similarities and differences between Dickens and Twain who were more or less contemporaries. While Dickens was intimately involved in describing the horrors of modern England and the effects of the industrial revolution, Dickens comments on travel and society in a humorous manner. White Fire by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child This is a story of Agent Pendergast and Corrie, a young troubled woman who has gotten her life together and is attempting to build a career in law enforcement. She travels to a mountain resort in the West which has dangerous and evil secrets about the past and the way that these things were still incarnated in the present. 1941 by Andrew Nagorski Nagorski is the son of a Polish officer who fought in World War II. Thus, he has a special interest in presenting the story as best he can. He speaks of 1941 as the year that Hitler lost the war (even if its end did not come til 1945). Hitler overstepped himself in his invasion of Russia and then his declaration of war against the United States after Pearl Harbor. The book is very well written. Merry Christmas! fr. Jude

Ellicott City

December 7, 2024 Peace and Good, I hope you are all well. I have been at home these days, mostly working at the Shrine. We have an hour of confessions every day between Monday and Saturday. There are usually two or three confessors on call each day, and there are almost always line waiting for confession. It is a very good ministry. I was in contact with the provincial of our province in Kenya and I was asked to begin another series of articles for their magazine on the Penteteuch. I have outlined the topics, and it works out to about 25 articles. I will be getting to that this week when the inspiration hits me. I usually brook over a topic for a couple of weeks, and then one morning the first line of the piece comes into my head and from there it is off to the races. The weather here has been very cold, but nothing like Buffalo as been getting in these days. I tell my friends that the one consolation for Buffalonians in these days is that Watertown (at the other end of Lake Ontario) is getting more snow. I will be here in EC all this week, but next week I am going to go to the shore to the appartment the friars have there. I finished some reading and listening: How the Bible Saved Civilization by Ian Boxall These presentations from Learn25 do not really match the title. What the author does is explain various scenes, people, and topics and show how they are still important in our world and in the world of art, drama, music, etc. Boxall is a good, creative presenter. Art and the Bible by Francis Schaeffer This is a relatively short presentation by an Evangelical author who speaks of the need for art and beauty in our lives and our faith. He is attacking a tendency to see something wrong in painting, statues, music, poetry, etc. He takes many of his argumentation from the Bible itself (e.g. how God created the beautiful, how God ordered Moses and David to make beautiful decorations for the cult, etc. New Amsterdam by Charles River Editors This is the history of the arrival of the Dutch in the New York area and the years of their early colonization up to the time of the British who took the colony over after Holland’s defeat in the mid-17th century. The Sicilian Method by Andrea Camilleri This is the account of the murder of a very mysterious figure who staged improvisational plays in the town where Inspector Montalbano lives. The plot is intricate and possibly a bit confusing. I did not like this volume as much as Camilleri’s others for the hero dumps his long distance lover for a young and strange young woman, chalking it up to a mature man’s last adventure. This aspect was almost adolescent in its approach. Thunder Point by Jack Higgins This is an action novel about the recovery of secret documents brought by Martin Borman to the Caribbean when he supposedly escaped at the end of World War II. (There have long been theories that he escaped and lived in Latin America). The documents would incriminate key British politicians and royalty, and the team (Ferguson and Sean Dillon, an ex-IRA gunman) seek to find them before a group of Nazi collaborators can discover where they are and recover them. The Middle East by Philip Robins This is a presentation of the history, politics, and cultures of the countries of the Middle East. It naturally leans towards the Islamic countries, but it does not ignore Israel. The author is quite good, and he is honest in his approach (not looking for a villain in his account. Women who made Science History by Leila McNeill This is a short course from the Great Courses on significant women in science from the Renaissance to the modern era, leaning very heavily toward the modern. McNeill speaks of the lives and contributions of a number of famous and not so famous women scientists, and especially of their difficulty to have their contributions to science recognized because of the anti-woman bias in many fields of research and many institutions. Innocent Man by John Grisham This is a true life story of two men who were falsely convicted of rape and murder in a small town in Oklahoma. The prosecutors broke a whole series of laws in their case. The particular difficulty in proving one of the men innocent was his mental illness and tendency toward alcoholism. The innocent project eventually was able to prove their innocence after many years of often cruel incarceration. Hans Urs Von Balthasar by Kevin Mongrain Von Balthasar was a key thinker in the process of leading up to Vatican II, but his specialty was in patristics and mysticism, especially in rediscovering that which is truly beautiful (in nature, in revelation, in the incarnation, etc.) His writings are notoriously difficult to understand, so I took this first step of listening to this Learn25 course to get an initial idea of who he was and what he taught. At the end of this course, I can say I have caught a glimpse of what he believed and shared. The Gospel of Mark 101: How to Read and Understand the Gospel of Action by Ian Boxall This is a course on the Gospel of Mark from the Learn25 series. I found the course very informative, reinforcing that which I knew and making me see a few things in a way from which I had never considered the material. I plan to listen to whatever other courses this professor has produced. Chaucer by Peter Ackroyd Peter Ackroyd is a tremendous author about all things Brittanica. This book speaks of the life and writings of Chaucer, placing him within his historic and literary environment. The author constantly quotes Chaucer’s writings, first in the English used at Chaucer’s time (the late 14th century) and then in modern English. There are many things that are not known about Chaucer, but Ackroyd masterfully pieces together those things which we can know. The Mughal Empire by Charles River Editors This isa short account of the Mughal empire in India. A lot of the book is a presentation on the history of Islam, and then when the author gets into the part about India, it is a mix of wars between this or that power or palace intrigues. I cannot say that I know that much more about this empire after finishing this read. The Norsemen-Understanding the Vikings and Their Culture by Michael Drout This is a course from Modern Scholar about the Vikings and especially their culture and their literature. While there is not an enormous corpus of writings, nevertheless the professor is able to explain the intricacies of what they wrote, both from a literary and mythic point of view. Ironically, the most important collection of writings were produced by a Christian author so that his contemporary authors would understand some of the mythic references in their own language. Tutankhamun: The Mystery of the Boy King by Zahi Hawass This is a firsthand account of the examination of the Tutankhamun mummy in order to understand more about his lie and his death. It is only a short book, but it was enjoyable and informative. The Bad Popes by E.R. Chamberlin This is a treatment of popes who were disastrous in their personal conduct and their leadership of the Church from the early Middle Ages to the Renaissance (and the time of the Protestant Reformation). While the accounts of some of the popes were incredibly scandalous, the author tries not to be a rumor monger but rather to present the popes with their flaws and sometimes their virtues. It is a good read. Have a good week. Shalom fr. Jude

Ellicott City - Chicago

November 18, 2024 Peace and Good, I hope you all are well. This past week at Ellicott City has been quite busy. I finished off my four week course on the Gospel of Luke which went very well. I have taken on quite a few spiritual directees. Interestingly, some of them have discussed questions with me that have forced me to do some reading on various topics which is very good. They are making me look at topics which I never investigated before. I really like that. Yesterday I travelled out to Chicago to give a workshop to the Postulants on the Letters of St. Paul. I have done this for quite a few years now. It is good to get to know them, and also to share insights with them on Scripture and on the Order (since I have visited almost all of it over the years) We have five postulants this year, which is a good number but not like previous pre-covid years. I got to see fr. Bernard, a friar from Australia who is now serving as vocation promoter in the province. He is a fine man, and is excited over his work. Friars Paul and Ian continue to work as the formation team here. Our friary is located in the north of the city, a few blocks from Loyola University. I really like Chicago. It is a city that is easy to find one's way around, and it has so many diverse nationalities. Walking several block can lead one from Vietnam to Ethiopia to Russia. I have finished some reading and listening: 1917: Lenin, Wilson, and the Birth of the New World Disorder by Arthur Jerman These is a comparison of Lenin with Wilson, especially in the traumatic year of 1917, the year of the Russian Revolution and the entrance of the US into the First World War. They are seen as idealistic men who were also stubborn and self-righteous. They both wanted their nations to live up to great values, but were not willing to compromise on their ideals and thus doomed their countries and the world to a difficult future. The Great Sea by David Abulafia This is an extensive history of the Mediterranean Sea and the cultures that have existed along its shore. It deals with political history as well as cultural history, especially speaking of the trade that made the Mediterranean so important (both of the rise of the commerce and of its decline after the voyages of Columbus). Dante by RWB Lewis This is a presentation on the life, career, and writings of the famous Italian poet who produced the Divine Comedy, one of the greatest masterpieces of literature of all eras. Lewis knows how to weave outside material into the story to make certain nuances and topics in the Comedy more understandable. He presents a Dante who is flesh and blood and not a literary conceit. American Constitution 101 by David Hudson This is a very well planned and presented course on the American Constitution. The author manages to present rather complicated legal matters in a way that is fully comprehensible. He gives copious examples from case law and speaks of the various figures who had a tremendous influence on the interpretation and application of the articles of the constitution (e.g. Chief Justice Marshall, Chief Justice Warren, etc.). Rhodes after Antiquity by Charles River Editors Rhodes is famous for the fact that it housed one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the colossus of Rhodes. This short history speaks of that monument, but especially of the island’s history under its Greek, Roman and Arab overlords up to the present day. The Berlin Wall: A World Divided by Hope Harrison This is course on the history of the Berlin Wall. The professor (for this is a Great Courses presentation) speaks of the reasons why it was built and the initial reaction to its construction (it having been built to halt the hemorrhage of citizens fleeing to the west from East Germany), of its effect on the people of East and West Berlin, and of its fall in 1989. The professor has a special love for Berlin which comes across in her presentations. Hacking the Code of Life by Nessa Carey This is a study of the science and practice of genetic engineering. It deals with how it is done and also with the more difficult question of whether it should be done and if so, when. It speaks of engineering done on human subjects (to correct a genetic flaw or, more dangerously, to produce a child that would meet the subjective desires of the parents) as well as on animals (producing larger animals, placing a genetic flaw in mosquitoes to kill off dangerous populations), etc. Hildebrand and His Times by W.R. Stephens This is a Librivox presentation of the life of Hildebrand who became Pope Gregory VII, a great reformer in the late Medieval period, and who fought with a series of Holy Roman Emperors for control of the mechanisms of the Church. Being an older, British presentation, its form is a bit antiquated, but the information provided is very good. St. Francis of Assisi by William Cook and Ronald Herzman I listened to this Great Courses presentation on the Feast of the founder of the Franciscans, October 4th. I have heard many presentations by William Cook who always gives a balanced and thorough treatment of the topic. This is the first time that I heard Herzman who is a colleague of Cook, and he is also very good. They are both very respectful of Francis and show a reverence for him which does not devolve into pious adulation. The Gracchi, Marius and Sulla by A.H. Beesly This is a Librivox presentation (which means that it is a book out of print which is read by volunteer readers and is offered for free at Librivox.com). It deals with the later stages of the Roman republic and especially with the social tensions that led to its fall and the inauguration of the Principate under Augustus. This book begins with the reforming Gracchi brothers who were murdered by the aristocracy, and closes with the dictatorship and murderous career of Sulla (in the generation before Julius Caesar and Pompei). Cold Light by Anita Sitarski This is a short treatise on bioluminescence, both the phenomenon and its possible importance for practical purposes in our modern world. The presenter is excited about her topic which is obvious, but she does present a good amount of interesting information. Henry Ford and the Building of Modern Capitalism by Jef Webb This particular course in the Learn25 series was a real challenge for the presenter because Webb had to balance the genius of organization and business enterprises with the fact that Ford was an anti-Semite (of great proportions). Webb does a good job of being honest and forthright with both dimensions of his subject. Have a good week. Shalom fr. Jude

Ellicott City

November 5, 2024 Peace and Good, I have been back in Ellicott City, quite busy with the regular forms of ministry here (confessions, Mass, lectures, guiding days of recollection, etc.). I love this type of work. I am now offering a four week course on the Gospel of Luke which is the Gospel we will be using in the liturgy this coming year. I have a morning session and an evening session (the same material). The evening session is live streamed and can be found at the Companions web site. This Saturday I will be offering a full day workshop on the Book of Revelation. The weather here has been glorious - beautiful fall weather. The leaves are about half fallen off of the trees. I had my 9th immunotherapy today. Only three more to go. I have been tolerating the therapy very well. I would like to ask you all a favor. Please remember three people with stage four cancer in your prayers: Jean Louis, Peggy and Heather. I finished some reading and listening: The Pentateuch by Michael Guinan This is a Learn25 presentation on the books of the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers of Deuteronomy). The professor is good at organizing and presenting the material. I did not hear any great new discoveries, but for me it was a good review of what I had previously studied. Galileo by Guy Consolmagno This is a Learn25 presentation on Galileo and his troubles with the Vatican. Guy Consolmagno is the official astronomer of the Vatican and a Jesuit brother. I have heard his other presentations that I thought were better organized. This presentation had a feel of containing a lot of material that was not immediately relevant, as if he were struggling to fill out the required number of lessons. Yet, he does a good job of showing that the Vatican was and is not anti-science, and that the Galileo affair is much more complicated than one would first imagine. 1066 by Jennifer Paxton This is a Great Courses production to speak about England in the years before the Norman invasion (Vikings and Danish rulers), during the invasion (Harold and William and the other major figures), and after the invasion (the conquest of the rest of England, the doomsday book. It is well organized and presented. The Spies who Never Were by Hervie Haufler This is a great account of the spies that Great Britain invented and used as a double cross to confuse Germany concerning the British war plans. One of the most famous episodes was that of Mincemeat, where a deceased man with secret plans was left off the short of Spain so the Germans would receive the false war plans that the allies intended to land in Sardinia or Greece and not in Sicily, which was the real plan. There is also the story of Garbo, so called because his role was beautiful as he invented a whole cadre of accomplices that were a product of his imagination. Ethiopia by Wendy McElroy This is a short history of this mysterious land on the horn of Africa. It is one of the few Christian nations in this area (Christian from very early days). It has been ruled by emperors and factional leaders throughout its history. For a while, it was mistakenly identified as the dwelling place of Priester John. The history runs from prehistoric times to the death of Haile Selassie. Ireland by Wendy McElroy This is a short history of the island nation from prehistoric times to recent decades. It gives a good history of the interaction of Ireland and Great Britain, as well as Irelands tragedies of the famine, of religious and political strife, of poverty and forced emigration, etc. Game of Mirrors by Andrea Camilleri This is about a Sicilian detective who has to investigate his crimes in a bureaucracy that is confounding and filled with small and large corruption, and a culture that does not believe in telling its secrets. The staff is good but at times comical. In this volume the inspector has to deal with truth and levels of illusion that are confounding. The most important thing to do in these cases is to know that one does not know. Iron Kingdom by Christopher Clark This is a thorough study of Prussia as a region and as a culture. It begins with the earliest settlements and amalgamation of the Prussia region, and ends with the rejection of the Prussian mentality (and even the region of Prussia) in the aftermath of the Second World War. Churchill’s Bomb by Graham Farmelo This book deals with the British attempt to produce the atomic bomb at the beginning of the war, their collaboration with the Americans, areas of concern in that relationship, and Churchill’s interest in scientific matters, but at times his fuzzy understanding of those things. While Britain sent many good scientists to the States for this research (including many foreigners who sought refuge in Great Britain), they also sent Klaus Fuchs who spied for the Soviets and handed over nuclear secrets to them that allowed them to develop their own atomic bomb. The Heist by Daniel Silva This is the story of an Israeli secret agent (and part time assassin) who is trying to steal the exploited riches of the Syrian ruling family. Gabriel Allon is the main character. He killed many of the Palestinians who were involved in the Munich Olympics Massacre. He is getting ready to take over his agency. In his other life, Allon is also a world-famous art restorer. Have a good week. Shalom fr. Jude

Arroyo Grande, CA - Ellicott City, MD

October 24, 2024 Peace and Good, I finished my series of lectures at our novitiate in Arroyo Grande, CA. This is half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco. There are three novices this year, each from a different country (Germany, Great Britain, and India). This provided a wide background to add to the discussions on Biblical thopics. I presented the four Gospels in overview (especially as they intersect with Franciscan values) and the psalms. I do this presentation every year. What is nice is that I also do a presentation to the postulants each year, so by the time I arrive at the novitiate, I already know the novices from the previous year. I came back from California on Monday night on the redeye. I had messed up my schedule and had a full day of work on Tuesday, including Mass at the Shrine. I was able to get through the day without falling asleep on anyone. Yesterday I started a four week course on the Gospel of Luke, the gospel we will be using this coming year in our liturgy. I offer a two hour lecture in the morning and the same topic in the evening (which is also broudcast on the Companions website). We had a good, active crowd in both sessions. I do it twice because the morning session is for those who are retired and possibly hesitant to drive in the evening, while the other session is for those who work. I am giving a couple of days of recollection this weekend, one for a Bible Study group and one for the sisters at the rest home where I occasionally say Mass. The weather these days has been magnificent. It is not too hot, and all the leaves are changing color. I finished some books: Michelangelo and the Pope’s Ceiling by Ross King Ross King is an incredible expert at telling stories about art and history. I had actually read this book many years ago, but it was so good that I wanted to read it again. The book deals with the fact that Michelangelo was not trained to do fresco, his difficult relationship with Pope Julius II, the irascible personality, his family problems, his artistic choices on the ceiling, etc. I would recommend this and any other books he has written. Eiffel’s Tower by Jill Jonnes This is a very good book on the construction of the Eiffel Tower for the World Exhibition held to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution. Jonnes speaks of the opposition before and even after the construction. She speaks of some of the major figures who visited the tower (e.g. Edison, the Shah of Persia, etc.). She speaks of other activities at the exhibition (the Wild West presentation with Wild Bill Cody, the art exhibitions, the cultural presentations, etc.). Vikings by History Nerds This is an overview of Viking history and culture. It speaks of their incredible geographic extension (from Russia to Sicily to North America). It deals with their languages, their mythologies, their reasons for plundering, etc. It is not an extensive treatment, but it gives a good outline on the topic. Operation Barbarosa by David Stahel This is a long treatment of the planning and execution of the invasion of the Soviet Union during World War II. The author’s thesis is that while the German army seemed to have sufficient forces to do this, they in fact did not have replacements (for soldiers or munitions or even trucks), they were poorly led, and they bled their strength away on pointless attacks which left them vulnerable when the Soviets were able to replace soldiers and arms that were lost in the early days of the invasion. Nature’s Mutiny by Philipp Blom This is about the little ice age that hit Europe from the beginning of the 14th century to the 19th century. The climate was significantly colder and wetter which destroyed many harvests, leaving people malnourished and susceptible to disease. Blom also speaks of the intellectual revolution occurring at the same time, as well as the growth of national movements. The only difficulty is to connect the dots in his theory – did these movements occur at the same time or were they caused by the climate change? Dust by Patricia Cornwall I think that this is the last book by Cornwall that I intend to read. He write about a medical examiner, but every book she writes is more and more about her difficult relationships with most of those around her (family, co-workers, etc.). I just don’t feel like reading a book where there is nothing but kvetching. The Echo of Greece by Edith Hamilton This is a short overview of some of the most important figures of Greek culture. Hamilton is a scholar of Greek and Roman history and art. She speaks of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Alexander the Great, etc. in this account. She has an interesting theory toward the end of the book that it would have been better if Christianity were more Greek (accepting more ideas and variety) and less Roman (legalistic). Yet, when you think about it, the Greek world has suffered long periods of violent controversy over that same variety. Guangzhou by Charles River Editors This is some of the history of the city of Guangzhou (Canton) in China. The author especially emphasizes the colonial era under the influence of the British empire. The Death Trade by Jack Higgins Sean Dillon, the hero of this series, tries to find a way to rescue an Iranian scientist who has been forced into doing research work on a nuclear device (his specialty was developing isotopes for medical purposes). The action a bit black and white, almost like a superhero story, but it is entertaining all the same. Karl Rahner: Theologian of Grace by Richard Lennan Rahner was an incredible theologian just before and during the Second Vatican Council. Many of the ideas found in the writings of the Council are found in his writings. He especially speaks of the fact that God has already revealed His grace in our lives and one of the most important tasks we can perform is to recognize that presence and embrace it. The Dispatcher by John Scalzi This is a very strange story of a dispatcher (someone who kills people at the point of death). Those people immediately appear in their homes as they were a few hours before their death. A detective is investigating the disappearance of one of the dispatcher’s co-workers. This leads to meetings with a billionaire whose wife had just died and an ex-Mafia organization. It is a strange, very good story. Prince of Fire by Daniel Silva This is one of the volumes of the series written by Silva on the secret service of Israel. His hero is Gabriel Allon, a painter and famous art restorer. He was also an assassin who killed members of the squad who attacked the Israelite at the Munich Olympics. In this volume, he kills a mysterious Palestinian mastermind who seeks revenge for the death of his father at the hands of the Israelis. He has been in hiding while he planned attacks on symbols of Israel (e.g. embassies). Have a good week. Shalom fr. Jude

Ellicott City, Md - Arroyo Grande, CA

September 13, 2024 Peace and Good, All is going well. I have been working quite a bit at the shrine in these days with confessions and Masses (as well as St. Joseph's nursing home nearby). I truly enjoy this work. I have also started to do quite a bit of spiritual direction. These past few days were great. On Thursday evening, I had a session with a men's group on Eschatology, what will happen after our death and the end of the world. The next morning I had a talk and Mass with a group of 80 second graders visiting our shrine. Saturday morning, I had Mass at the nursing home (for residents and for the sisters there). Talk about a rapid change of roles. I am now at our novitiate in Arroyo Grande, California to give a workshop to the novices on the Gospels and the psalms. I have een doing this every year for a long time. I enjoy this time to help our novices see these Sacred Scripture books in a Franciscan light. I will be here for a week, and then back to Ellicott City where I will begin a series of adult ed classes on the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Revelation. I finished some reading and listening: Jackson Pollock by Charles River Editors I have never liked the paintings of Jackson Pollock, but this short treatment of his life left me stunned. He came from a not so promising environment, and he seems to have suffered both some learning disabilities and emotional/psychological disabilities. He effectively drank himself to death at a relatively young age, a truly pathetic story. The Battleship Potemkin by Charles River Editors This is the story of the Russian battleship in the Black Sea that was the site of a mutiny during the uprising in 1905. The proximate cause of the turmoil was the lack of decent treatment of the crew (especially in terms of the food they were served). There was also a rebellious spirit in the air following the rapid industrialization of the country (with great social inequalities) and the loss of the war with Japan that left the country humiliated. Caravaggio by Francine Prose This is a very good overview of the life and art of this artist of realism and chiaroscuro art. His life was a mess, always getting in fights and drinking beyond measure. He was exiled for murder and died on his way back to Rome when he had received a pardon. His art was not always appreciated in his own days, but his style was often copied later. Prose gives tremendous insight to his choice of scenes and images used in his most famous paintings. Germany by Ralph Raico This is one of the history courses on various countries offered by Audible.com for free. It is a good overview of history from its earliest days to the modern times. A History of Ancient Greece by Eric Cline This is a Modern Scholar Course that gives a good outline of the history of ancient Greece. It is not very profound, but it does give a good review of the material. Tales of Troy and Greece by Andrew Lang This is a retelling of the story of the Trojan War and the events that preceded and followed it. It was done at the end of the 19th century, so it is a bit dated. Yet, it even throws in comments about archeological discoveries which is a useful addition to the story. It serve as a good intro to Greek legends. The Sacred Year by Michael Yankowski An Evangelical youth pastor has a crisis of whether he really believes and lives what he is sharing with the young people to whom he speaks. He goes to a Benedictine monastery and an elderly monk advises him to create a sacred year in which he goes back to the basis of his spirituality. The story is well told and very profound. The manner of narrative is filled with enthusiasm and a spirituality that is clearly not phony but is discerned and lived. Great Catholic Scientists by Michaelle Franci-Donnay and Guy Consolmagno This is a Learn25 course on Catholic scientists who over the centuries have shown that science and faith do not have to be two opposing forces in our world. The great majority of male scientists are Jesuits, which is to be expected because Consolmagno is a Jesuit brother, the official astronomer of the Vatican. The man/woman team work in tandem in the presentation. The most important insight is that in science, as in faith, one must be filled with a sense of wonder. Constantine the Emperor by David Potter This is a long but very good presentation of the life and career of the emperor Constantine. It deals with the confusing politics as he won control of the Roman Empire. It speaks of his role in the development of the Catholic Faith, especially in his sponsorship of the Council of Nicea. This political/religious role mirrored that which a Roman Emperor exercised in the Empire and with the official pagan religions. The book is well worth reading. The Sign of Jonas by Thomas Merton This is a journal written by Merton some years after he entered the monastery, while he was in formation for the priesthood until the time that he was called to be the Formation Director for theological and philosophical students in the monastery. The beginning comes across as if Merton knows he is writing for others, and he therefore feels he must write the correct edifying things. Later in the book one can sense that he becomes more real, especially as he delves into the mystery of God. The Best Short Stories of Mark Twain This is an anthology of Twain’s stories, especially his later ones. They display the naughty cleverness which challenged political and religious authorities whenever he sense a spirit of hypocrisy. Heretic Queen by Susan Ronald This is an account of the rapport of Queen Elizabeth I with the religious realities in her realm which were complicated for they included the official Anglican Church, the Puritanical Calvinist movement, and the recusant Catholic remnant. This became even more complicated when the Pope excommunicated Elizabeth as a heretic, and when Elizabeth had Queen Mary of Scotland put to death. Have a good week. Shalom fr. Jude